Steve Harmison criticises England after MCG Test debacle

Former fast bowler Steve Harmison was utterly disappointed after England lost the Melbourne Test, thereby conceding Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match Test series. It took the hosts a bit over two days to wrap up proceedings and win by an innings and 14 runs.

Harmison reckoned that it’s imperative for teams to put up massive scores in their first innings to give Australia some fight in Test cricket on the latter’s backyard. The 43-year-old veteran was also dejected with the Three Lions’ approach in the Boxing Day Test.

“The only teams that have gone over there [Australia] and done anything meaningful are teams that have got first-innings runs. Last night, they [Australia] bowled brilliantly, but that’s embarrassing, I’m sorry. No fight, there was nothing there,” Harmison told BT Sport.

After the end of both teams’ first innings, the game was even-stevens, although the home team amassed a decent lead following Marcus Harris’ 76. From there on, things went downhill for the Brits as they were bowled out for 68 in their second innings.

“You can say Australia have bowled well, which they have done. But to lose by an innings when a team only scores 267 runs, that tells you everything. They have had the rub of the green, England have dropped catches, two umpiring decisions… but Australia have earned the right to get those decisions going in their favour,” Harmison stated.

There is going to be a big inquest, says Steve Harmison

Moreover, Harmison feared that the shoddy performances may put in danger the career of number of English cricketers. The retired pacer also had words of the Aussies for stepping up and delivering the goods in the hour of need.

“There is going to be a big inquest. There’s gonna be a lot of things blamed, people’s careers on the line, but first you marvel at Australia. They have been magnificent, as painful as it is for an Englishman to say, they have been right in preparation, in selection, they have bowled the right areas,” Harmison added.

The fourth Test is scheduled to get underway on Wednesday, January 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Bellerive Oval in Hobart will host the fifth and final Test from January 14.